Thomas Cromwell was a statesman who rose to power as the right-hand man of Cardinal Wolsey. It was he that suggested to Henry VIII that he make himself head of the Church of England to facilitate his divorce from Catherine of Aragon. In this copy after an original by Holbein, Cromwell is dressed soberly in black and portrayed in a relatively simple setting; the wooden panelling, damask wall covering and Turkish carpet suggest however an interest in fine things. On the table before him is a book, probably devotional, a quill, scissors to trim it and a soft leather bag which would have held his seal. The writing on the paper makes clear his position: 'To master Thomas Cromwell, trusty and right well-beloved master of our jewel house...' . This was one of the first posts which Cromwell held prior to becoming Henry's chief minister. He was executed for treason in 1540.